‘Simply Unacceptable’: University Faces Investigation After Defying Trump

President Donald Trump speaks at the University of Alabama

The Trump administration has initiated an investigation into Western Carolina University (WCU) for noncompliance with Title IX, focusing on the university’s response to President Trump’s executive order on single-sex facilities. Internal emails indicate that WCU plans to resist the order, which recognizes only male and female sexes. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has cited allegations that WCU has failed to provide sex-separated intimate spaces in federally funded institutions.

Western Carolina University faculty and students clean up Riverside Cemetery

Western Carolina University said, “Western Carolina University is compliant with all current state and federal regulations and will adjust any necessary campus policies and practices to remain in compliance with future changes. At this time, we have no further comment regarding this matter.”

Public Restrooms at the Nora Library

Civil Rights Acting Assistant Secretary Craig Trainor stated, “WCU’s reported contempt for federal antidiscrimination laws and indifference to, and retaliation against, girls who have spoken up about males invading their intimate spaces is simply unacceptable.”

Payton McNabb applauds President Donald Trump's Congressional Address

The investigation includes a review of the case involving former WCU student Payton McNabb, who faced scrutiny for alleged “transphobia” after confronting a biological male in the women’s restroom. Concerns have been raised regarding WCU's alleged indifference to federal antidiscrimination laws when female students complained about males in intimate spaces.

Western Carolina University drum line

Title IX of the Education Amendments prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded academic institutions. In response to the executive order, a WCU administrator stated that the university would not alter its policies. A spokesperson has defended WCU, claiming compliance with all current state and federal regulations while stating that the institution will adjust policies as needed.

Western Carolina University students and fans at Paladin Stadium

McNabb, found “not responsible” for sexual harassment after her confrontation, recorded their exchange in the restroom. She later testified before the House Oversight subcommittee, discussing health issues stemming from a traumatic brain injury sustained in high school after being struck by a volleyball spiked by a male competitor.

Aisha Adams, Equity and Diversity Institute Program Developer, attends a forum at Western Carolina University

Speech First acting executive director Nicole Neily said, “For years, advocates have worried that Title IX procedures on campus have become weaponized – and these emails highlight that such concerns are indeed well-founded.”

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visits Arizona schools

The Department of Education has also launched Title IX investigations into multiple educational institutions, including the Saratoga Springs City School District and the Minnesota State High School League.

Sinks pictured in the men's restroom

Independent Women senior legal advisor Beth Parlato stated, “Western Carolina University believes they are above the law, and the Department of Education is right to investigate and hold them accountable.”

Jennifer White covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.